OFFICER’S REPORTS
PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT - BRIAN KOELZER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT - MARK SCHWOMEYER (NO REPORT) TREASURER - CLAUDIA DAVIS (NO REPORT) SECRETARY - JERRY DAVIS
President’s
Message
I
have heard some define “insanity” as doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results. This definition is a summary of my 2020 season. I spent 19 days straight bowhunting elk (yeah, yeah, I know I am a lucky guy.) During this large span of time in the woods, the hunting gods only gave me a single opportunity to shoot an elk. Fortunately, I was able to capitalize on my opportunity and killed a really interesting elk. (See the photo with this report). I find that killing any elk is a big accomplishment and this year’s success will be celebrated during many venison dinners around my dining room table Much more interesting than my bowhunting season is the season of my wife, Amy. She started off by shooting a P&Y pronghorn, followed it up with a huge B&C elk, a 140“whitetail and finished up with an average boar black bear. She does have a few tags left, but I am considering cutting her bowstring. Previously, I considered myself an above average bowhunter. Marlon At the very Claphman least, I was the best bowhunter in my family. That self-aggrandizing, false image came crashing down this September. She, in one hunting season, gave me a reality check, a figurative slap in the face. Again, in one bowhunting season, my humble wife, shot four animals that are larger than any four animals of the equivalent species than I have ever shot in my entire 35 years of obsessively bowhunting. If there is a “glass ceiling” she has shattered it and my fragile ego all in one month. On another note, your MBA board has been putting your dues to good work. Recently, they have supported politically and paid for transplanting a ram and a pregnant ewe bighorn sheep, of 50 total sheep, into the Little Belt Mountains in central Montana. I believe this is the first sheep transplant in
First Vice President’s Report
E
very day is a blessing. Every year that we get to participate in another one of Montana’s exceptional archery seasons is an even bigger blessing. Some days and some years it takes a little more work to find the good and the positive but its always there. Generally, an individual finds what they are looking for. Some folks look for the silver lining and assume that the glass is half full, others look for a reason to complain and their glass is always half empty. Thankfully my crowd will agree when the glass is half full it’s best to just go get another beer! 2020 certainly has posed some challenges and I’ll be happy to see it in the rear view. Wyoming served me “tag soup” for the first time in my life but during the course of my time down there I put a ton of miles on my boots and found teepee rings, firepits, artifacts, and had a few stalks on some nice deer. I’m a less than good elk hunter and I actually went after them a few times this year and had some very close calls. This very morning, I stalked a group in a nasty snowstorm and when the moment of truth arrived, I watched my arrow fly just an inch under a decent bull’s chest. Oh well, would have been a nasty day to pack an elk out anyway. (trying to reassure myself the glass is half full…) It seems like there are more folks out in the woods this year than I can ever remember. Can’t hardly blame them though. No better place to socially distance than out in the wonders of nature packing a stick and string. I’ve seen pictures of some dandy critters that have been taken as well. Congrats to all the successful and to those of us still trying keep your chin up! The MBA has been in contact with FWP concerning a sheep reintroduction into the Little Belt Mountains. As of late summer the board has agreed to donate $1,100 to this effort. The money will go directly to transplanting one ewe and one ram. ($550 per sheep) Anyone willing to put in a little leg work this next summer to help monitor these sheep would be greatly appreciated as well.
4
Montana
BOWHUNTER
WWW.MTBA.ORG
the state in over 13 years. It is these type of investments in the conservation of game animals in Montana that ensure the future of bowhunting for the next generation and I am proud that the Montana Bowhunters Association is involved in the process. Many of you have heard that someone shot a beef cow and calf with a bow and arrows here in Montana. This type of negative publicity is a blackeye on the face of all bowhunters and cannot be tolerated. The MBA has stepped up to the plate and helped pay for the veterinary bills that the rancher was stuck with and increased the reward that is offered by MT Fish Wildlife and Parks. We are a small community and one of us might know the jerk who committed this offense. If you have any information, please contact FWP. In addition to this, the MBA signed onto a movement started by the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in opposition to a proposed land swap in the Crazy Mountains. This land swap was not a good deal for Montana Bowhunters. One additional issue that is constantly on the MBA’s agenda is that of declining membership. I commend everyone one of you that is reading this right now. Your membership means a stronger voice when we fight for your bowhunting interests. To that end, you are also our best ambassadors. I implore you to talk about what we do here at the MBA and invite your nonmember bowhunting friends to join up. We need strong numbers to fight for bowhunting and for only 25 bucks you get a voice in the way we bowhunt here in Montana!
Stephen LePage
FWP is considering purchasing a conservation easement near Lost Trail as well and the public comment period runs through Nov 8. Looks like a winning deal for outdoor enthusiasts so take the time to voice your opinion. The board has also okayed getting on board with BHA for some added horsepower to try and keep adequate access to Sweet Grass Drainage in the Crazies. (another crappy land swap deal). To say the least, the ladies and gents that make up your board of directors are working hard to promote and preserve our bowhunting opportunities here in our great state. Remember we are working for you and the more input we have from our members the better we can represent what you want. God Bless and pick a spot!>>>--------->.
Brian Koelzer
